A study confirms that narcissism is a personality trait that is very present among surgeons, but its degree and characteristics vary depending on the specialties.
- Cardiac surgeons display the highest narcissistic values among specialties.
- Women show lower levels of rivalry than their male colleagues.
- Narcissism, while potentially beneficial for surgeons’ decision-making, can create team conflict and harm patient health.
Grey’s Anatomy, Dr House, Good Doctor, New Amsterdam…every medical series has at least one narcissistic surgeon, very talented, but not inclined to listen to his colleagues or his patients. A new study from the University Hospital of Düsseldorf, published in Scientific Reports May 22, 2024, suggests that there is some truth to these characters. His results show that narcissistic personality traits are present in surgeons, and vary depending on the specialty, gender, and age of the physician.
Heart surgeons are the most narcissistic
To determine the prevalence and characteristics of narcissism in the surgical world, the researchers surveyed 1,390 surgeons (408 women, 982 men) via an online survey. The questionnaire assessed levels and different facets of narcissism; namely, narcissistic admiration (an excessive and self-centered desire to be admired by others) and narcissistic rivalry (the need to devalue others or witness their failures).
First observation after analyzing their responses: the dimensions of the narcissistic personality are present in all surgical specialties. On the other hand, there are significant differences depending on gender. Female surgeons have scores of “narcissistic rivalry” significantly weaker than their male colleagues.
There are also significant differences between specialties. “Comparing medical disciplines, cardiac surgeons show higher values for both dimensions (admiration and rivalry, editor’s note), orthopedic surgeons are in the middle of the ranking and general surgeons show the lowest values,” explain the authors in their article.
Scientists also noticed that doctors who had not yet completed their professional training showed higher scores in narcissistic characteristics. “admiration” And “rivalry” than seasoned doctors. “This suggests that early stages of professional development may be associated with higher levels of narcissistic traits, which appear to decline as individuals gain more experience and complete training.”
Narcissism: Where do these differences come from?
Why are more narcissistic personalities so interested in the heart and its pathologies? Researchers put forward a hypothesis: “It can be assumed that people with higher narcissistic values choose disciplines associated with higher prestige. This is why these people are mainly found in surgery and cardiac surgery”.
While narcissism is seen as a flaw, it can be an advantage in this profession. “It can be assumed that a reasonable degree of self-confidence is required in surgical specialties. This allows one to make difficult decisions as well as to act quickly and cautiously,” explain the authors.
But only to a certain extent… anyway. Indeed, scientists point out that a very high level of narcissism can lead to poorer team performance and promote interpersonal conflict and selfish behavior. “and ultimately have a negative impact on patients.”
Therefore, the researchers conclude that healthcare organizations must take into account the impact of this personality trait on the functioning of their teams. For them, it is necessary “adopt a strategic approach to leadership development, balancing technical expertise and management skills to ensure optimal results” and promote “positive work environments” in order to ensure quality care for patients.